On several occasions in the past I have seen radio amateurs advertising that they are looking for a SignaLink Interface on Swop Shop. Now at a price of $139.95 without transport and import fees, this will be a very expensive soundcard interface when it arrives on your doorstep. If you willing to pay this price then you need not read any further. Hi Hi!!
I have a cheaper alternative that works the same as the SignaLink. It is called: The DuinoVOX Arduino powered digital modes USB interface for ham radio. I built one and it works flawlessly. More info can be obtained from Youtube and the KB9RLW Blog.
Kevin KB9RLW writes:
"My home brew USB interface for all ham radio digital modes. Unique in that it uses and Arduino micro controller for the VOX function. This makes it very flexible and tweakable. One thing I didn't mention in the video. You want to set the playback volume of the interfaces sound card to maximum on your computer. Then use the drive level knob to adjust the audio drive to your rig. This gives the vox plenty of signal to work with. I intended to include the Arduino source code here, however youtube wouldn't allow some of the characters in the code!!! Very disappointed, but I understand why. I put that info on my blogspot blog. You can get the schematic and source code here". http://kb9rlw.blogspot.com/2016/08/ch...
Here is a few images of my version of Kevin's project:
As can be seen I have a VOX Off/On switch at the back of the interface. This is a must if you want to prevent your radio going into TX when not working digital modes but just monitoring.
My interface is in need of a serious cosmetic decal transformation. I never really bothered as it is stored underneath my operating desk. Out of sight but not out of mind. Hopefully I will in future upgrade the decal on the unit.
